There was a small knock on the door that stirred me awake. I grumbled in response but that didn't stop whoever it was from entering. "You alive under there Princess?"

"No." Dad chuckled from my response. I felt the weight shift at the foot of the bed. He must have moved closer because he had pulled away the blanket. Forcing me to open my eyes and seeing the brightness of my room. My head felt like a knife had been driven through it, pounding like the music from last night. I vaguely remembered what happened; birthday party.

"How are you feeling after last night?" I went to my other pillow and threw it at him. He caught it barely before I had messed his hair up. "That bad huh?" He held out his fist. Gesturing for me to take whatever he had from him. Next to my bed was a glass of water that I took with the pills. "Let's have you go take a shower and wash off last night. Put on some clothes and we'll go out for the day. You up for that?"

"Why? Is there gonna be construction up here?" He shook his head as he made his way to the door. His hands in his dark jean pockets.

"Just get ready and meet me downstairs, you can open the remainder of your presents." I smiled at the idea. He shut my door and left me to myself, the lights still on. Stumbling out of bed I moved towards my bathroom. My makeup was still spread across the counter. Tearing off my clothes, I didn't bother making the water warmer. I just turned it on and let the coldness wake me up, causing me to let out a shriek. Washing away the smell of alcohol and party took a lot longer than I thought it would.

The hangover still felt like a balloon under my cranium, slowly inflating with the pressure mounting. Exiting the shower, I saw my eyes in my mirror. No longer the glamor girl of last night, but dark circles with a paler complexion. I tied my hair back and rubbed on my face moisturizer. Moving out into my room again, a towel wrapped around my body. Pulling out a plain black V-neck and some dark blue jeans. Throwing those on I spotted a red flannel that I hadn't seen in ages. Thought I lost it in the move to New York. Smiling at the site of it I pulled it off its hangar and put it on, still fit me like a glove.

"Jae you alright in there?" I opened the door just after Dad had spoken to me. Grinning up to him, recognition filled his eyes. "You always did like that flannel."

"I know. I look good in red too," We made our way down the steps into the living room, the coffee table was packed with the remaining unwrapped presents. Pepper came around the corner, my mug in hand. She handed it to me, the smell of coffee filling my senses, waking me up even more than the cold shower did. "Thank you." I plopped down onto the leather couch, drinking my coffee and sorting through which present to open. A long flat rectangular one stuck out first.

I undid the dark purple bow and took off the top of the lavender box. Revealing a black bow, engraved on it was a quote.

"Those who aim at great deeds must also suffer greatly." I knew it was Clint who had given it to me. His favorite color was purple and he always seemed to know what I liked. It was a retractable bow. I stood up and flicked it open, testing the string and aiming it. Dad cleared his throat, obviously not wanting me to really fire an arrow. I rolled my eyes and retracted the bow again, setting her back down into her box. The next gift was a black bag with red tissue paper. The tag on the bag indicated it was from Natasha. I tossed the tissue paper to the floor and took out a beautiful real leather jacket. Spikes on the shoulders and collar, I took off my flannel trying on the jacket. A little big but I think Nat was using her measurements. It was best for me to have looser fit clothing, so I could move fast if I needed to.

"That looks good on you Jae. Romanoff give you that?" Dad asked. I nodded in response. I grabbed the next box, pulling it onto my lap as I sat once more. The box was small, book size. I would be shocked if someone got me a book, most knew I didn't read a lot. Opening the box, a beautiful dark blue book sat in front of me. Little sequins that were meant to be stars scattered across the top of the diary. It was locked by a black string wrapped around a silver crescent moon. Unraveling the string and opening to the first page I realized it was a journal. In small fine cursive was a note that I knew was from Pepper based off her handwriting.

Jaedyn, you've been through so much. And with the recent situations of having another voice. I thought it was best to have a place where only you could place your thoughts. Lots of love, Pepper.

I turned around to see Pepper peeking over to me. A smile crossed both our faces. I mouthed thank you to her and held the journal close to me. Dad came over and I shut the journal quickly. He didn't need to see what I would write in here, no one would. That's why I would keep this where I would keep my uniform and weapons. The bottom drawer in my closet. "Oh well excuse me," Dad said putting his hands up in defense. "Just thought it was a good time to get going."

"Where are we even going, Dad?" I asked, stacking the book with the others that I opened.

"I thought we could have a father-daughter day. Mentioned it to you last night, when you were..."

"Drunk? Inebriated? Smashed? Intoxicated? Wasted?" I grinned cheekily, "I don't remember you mentioning it, but I would like that. So, where to?"

"Let's head down to Central Park and go from there." I draped the leather jacket over the couch and opted to put back on the flannel. "We'll be back later Pepper." We bid her goodbye as the elevator doors shut. The elevator music filled the small space as Dad and I didn't speak. He had picked the ground floor which surprised me a bit. Usually we would be going down to the garage to get a car. Happy must have already pulled it out for us.

We were met with a crowd of people, both workers and security roamed the ground floor. Dad managed to dodge a few questions as a result of his don't talk to me hand gesture. When he said we would have the day to ourselves, he meant it. Exiting the building Happy was leaning against the hood of the car waiting. Dad never drove in New York, it was too crowded.

"Your driving?" I choked out as Happy tossed the keys to Dad. He saw my stunned look and nodded. "Wow, you normally get impatient when you drive in New York."

"Well Happy is gonna accompany us as security, but he'll be sitting in the back. You'll be riding shotgun." I slid in as Happy opened the door. Dad got into the driver seat and started the car up. The radio was on the news. Updating about detours still in play, as well as some important government officials coming into New York to assist in whatever way they could.

A procession of brake lights and headlights passed us as we made our way down the streets. Cars were bumper to bumper, exhaust fumes belching out of the ends of the cars. We had both agreed to put on an old ACDC disk and turn it up to the max. The music soared through the air like an eagle on an up-draft, taking with it the very souls of the listening audience. The back and the passenger windows were rolled down. Dad insisted on keeping his up due to the amount of publicity he was still under. Despite the amount of destruction New York had gone through when I stuck my head out the window. What I saw, took my breath away. The place above me was alive with lights and glass buildings towering into the sky. I sighed closing my eyes the sunlight hit me. Filling me with warmth and calming everything around me. The horns of the vehicles ahead of us didn't even disrupt my moment.

"It's a fine day in New York City. The construction should be done in the upcoming month and every street should be cleared. Our vibrant city has bounced back from worse than this ladies and gentlemen. It's just another storm, and in the instant, the clouds clear the parks are filled with the laughter of children," I looked back inside the car seeing that dad had switched back to the radio.

Eventually, Dad parked the car in a parking lot and paid for parking. Quickly, we ran across the momentarily empty street. Entering the park we were met with a warm breeze and the laughter of children flowing in the air. Our pathway was clear, in the distance children play. Happy was a few yards behind us, doing his job as our security. I knew of parks in smaller towns but hadn't seen any. I knew they had small formal gardens for elders who wanted a quiet place in retirement. There were benches, trees, flowers, parks that were for the children. Ponds scattered around that were filled with Koi fish. Not here though, not in Central Park. In the big city, a park meant acres of concrete and neat grass verges. Rollerblading tracks, tennis and basketball courts, water parks and skateboarder basins. Vendors of food and balloon animals around giant fountains. There was always music playing, some clashing with other places around the park. Either live music or from a stereo. There wasn't one area for flowers, but they were everywhere, more vibrant than any garden.

As we reached the opened area of the park, there was a large fountain in the center. People sat around the rim of the fountain in their own conversations. On a patch of grass was a gated area that had small children playing on the various colorful play equipment. Their parents hat watchful eyes on them while talking to each other. On another side was the dog park. Dogs of all breeds barking at each other playfully, chasing each other around in circles. The cries of a baby caught my eye and I noticed the baby's mother was too busy talking with her friends to notice the baby had lost his dummy. I smiled to myself, creating a small line of energy along the ground. Snaking its way to the dummy, the energy picked the doll up, making it dance in front of the baby. The infant's hands clapped together excitedly to see the doll dance. An elbow to my side caused me to drop the doll in the child's stroller. I tuned to find Dad scolding me with his brown eyes.

"Sorry..." I looked at him apologetically. He smiled down to me and walked on a few more yards before we were stopped by a group of kids. Each with smiles from ear to ear, looking starstruck seeing Tony Stark himself.

"You're Iron Man aren't you?" One asked, stepping towards us.

"Last time I checked," Dad tapped his Arc reactor that was glowing through his shirt. Now it was my turn to scold and elbow him. "Yes, I am. What can I do for you?" The kids all shared an excited gasp. A few of them had phones for photos and others had pieces of paper with pens. Dad looked at me, apologizing. I shrugged and offered to take the pictures. Dad whipped out some sunglasses from his blazer pocket, throwing up a peace sign.

"Alright. Say, Iron Man!"

"Iron Man!" Dad and the kids say as I snapped photos for each of them. Some of them recognized me and asked if I could be in the photo as well. While I wasn't an official superhero, it was nice that I was included. The parents of the kids eventually dragged them off, muttering about how apologetic they were for bothering us. We shrugged it off, it was a normal occurrence for us. We trekked on getting stopped every few yards by kids. While dad was taking some pictures, I spotted a couple of young girls jumping rope.

"Would you like to join Mr. Stark?" He shook his head as he crept up behind me.

"No, but she would," Dad said as I felt myself lurch forward. Stumbling to catch my feet I jumped when I spotted the jump rope about to hit my ankles. I continued to jump, staring at Tony who had a child-like grin on his lips.

"Really?" I exclaimed. The girls started to quicken the rope spinning. Those little buggers were trying to make it challenging for me. A crowd had begun to gather around. They must have spotted Dad with his phone out aimed at me. The group that gathered took pictures and cheered. As I jumped I spun around in circles, I noticed another girl looking at the rope. Analyzing it as she waited for an opportune moment to join in. I made sure to give her some extra room for when she decided to join. Narrowly she made her way between the rope and next to me. Our jumps synchronized together and she looked up to me. A big smile stretched across her cheeks. "I know an old rhyme that I sang with some kids on the playground when I was around your age. Do you know any? Mine is similar to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat."

"I know a lot! You do yours!" I took a breath, thinking for a moment before I recited the phrase.

"Alright. After I'm finished with the rhyme get faster with the ropes. Okay?" I looked to either end of the rope. "Jump, jump, jump a rope," I laughed seeing everyone's smile and the young girls seemed to be having fun. "Merrily in the spring," Switching it up, I spun around and quickly started to jump on one foot. "Hop, hop on each foot," The child started to catch on did the same as I. "As fast as you can sing." The ropes started to get faster and we repeated the phrase. Some bystanders decided to join in on the little rhyme. Growing tired, I hopped out sitting on the ground when I was clear of the rope. Another girl took my place still continuing to speed up the ropes.

"Well, you seemed to have a good time." Dad walked over to me, blocking the sun from my eyes. His put his phone in his coat pocket and offered me his hand. Taking it, I brushed myself off.

"It was fun, but we should get out of here before everyone starts to ask you questions." We nodded, jogging just out of reach of everyone else. "But don't think I forgot you pushed me into that jumping situation." I elbowed him. He winced, holding his side.

"You just admitted you had fun Jaedyn." I skipped a few yards ahead of him, avoiding his comment. "Don't worry it's only going to go viral and most likely be on the news channel by the time we get home."

"Well, you pushed me into the situation. I mean you do have the cleanup project you were starting up. We didn't have to go out, I know you and Pepper are busy." I shrugged. I have a feeling he was picking up on the fact that I was still unsure as to why he wanted a father-daughter day.

"Yeah, Pep and I are gonna be busy. I wanted to have a day like this, we haven't had one in too long of a time. Plus, it gives us a chance to talk about what's going to happen soon." I stopped in my tracks. "Your," He moved his hands in vague resemblance to my motions when I use my abilities. "Yeah. I just wanted to clarify the rules with them."

"Rules?"

"Yes, rules." He chuckled, taking off his sunglasses. "When we have company over who know about your abilities, it's okay. But when you are in the company or presence of those who have no clue what you're capable of, it needs to stay that way. We can't have more publicity than we already have now. I also wanted to talk about the Hood." His arm wrapped around my shoulders, forcing the two of us to walk.

"I don't know what there is to say about her. She's just a vigilante."

"I get that part. I mean you and her, it needs to be at a minimal. New York shouldn't have to be pushed straight back to trying to arrest you. New York needs to heal before you should come back as her. You got that?" I didn't want to hang up my suit, it was like Dad with his. Like how he used his to cope with Obadiah and his kidnapping.

"So I have to play the nice innocent daughter again while you get to go be the macho big-time superhero again? Hell no!"

"Jaedyn Maria." Dad gripped my upper arm tightly. That's when I noticed the wisps around my hands. I quickly tucked them into my pockets, feeling dad's hand loosen on me. "This is why. Jaedyn, I'm trying to protect you."

"I don't need your protection. I can take care of myself."

"I'm protecting you from yourself." That made me stop dead in my tracks. My mind starting reeling, unable to comprehend or process the images it was seeing. I looked away, then looked back to see if it was still there. It was. That ridiculous, pitiful, and almost scared stare.

I shoved him and moved away. He called my name, but I didn't listen, I didn't stop. I just continued to move away from him. I needed protection from myself? How could he say that about me? "You need protection from me," I found myself wandering around the edge of the river. My reflection was Tess' eyes and the cracks of energy along our skin. "That's what he meant." My eyes stared back into the water. So still. "You knew that's what he meant. You just don't want to agree with him."

"We're on the same page. I'm in control." She agreed with me and I continued down to a bench. The bench caught the sunlight in a way that reminded me of one of dad's old cars. The ones he kept polished in the garage. Engraved in the bench was a name, Richard Hart. I never understood why they dedicated benches to those who had passed. They were going to be sat on, carved into, slept on, and over time destroyed and rebuilt dedicated to someone else. A pile of smooth rocks was in the grass by the edge of the river. I sat in the grass, running my fingers over the smoothness of the stones. Picking one up, I pulled my arm back and let it go. I felt the slight burn of my abilities take hold of the stone causing it to skip more times than it should have.

The clearing of someone's throat caught my attention and drew me from my tranquil state. "Can I join you?" Before I could say no, Dad sat down with a quick smirk, "You always did seem to find the best spots in the park."

"Okay," I moved over so he could have more room. "No more Hood for a little bit, but I will need to have a room somewhere, either in the tower or the Cali house where I could just... Let loose."

"I'm sure you could have a place at both where you'll be able to use your abilities. I just want the best for you, Princess." He took a rock and swung it out into the river. It skipped three times before plummeting to the bottom of the water.

"Tony..." I began my legs pulled up to my chest and rested my head on my knees. "After everything I've done, I really don't things will ever go back to how things were before. I'm never just gonna be the perfect daughter." He began laughing. He was laughing while I was trying to be serious?

"Jaedyn, princess. You're already perfect to me. Wounds an all." He placed his hand on my shoulder. I slowly look to him instead of the rippling water. "You're my kid. You will always be perfect just the way you are.

"I guess it's just the Stark façade we both have mastered." I punched him gently.

"Uh-huh sure kiddo." He stood up and rubbed his arm that I had hit. Must have still hurt from where the Hulk caught him out of midair. "Come on I got an idea."

"Oh no, should I run now?" We both snickered. He shook his head, of course it was going to be alright. "Where are we off to?" Rejoining the gravel path, we headed for the exit. Dad whipped out his phone and sent a quick text to Happy, letting him know what was happening.

"I had the idea that we should back to one of our old stomping grounds. Get some ice cream, talk about a business opportunity I have for you." I smiled. The memory of us sitting at the window flooded my head. My feet dangling off the tall stools with an ice cream cone in my hand. Dad making sure my hair didn't get swept into my mouth because due to my enthusiastic eating.

We crossed each street to advance onto another block. Some people stopped us to take pictures, others would yell profane things about the Avengers, hurdling accusations about the Avengers. One even had the nerve to come towards us. Thankfully Happy had been tailing us for a couple blocks and pushed the man back. I had jumped away from the man, he was easily twice my size. I had felt my abilities rev up, I stuffed my hands into my pockets. Happy checked to make sure we were alright and had us walk a yard ahead of him so he could continue to assess our surroundings.

It didn't take too long for us to reach the parlor. The glass was covered in a coat of dust, but the ice cream sundae logo was still prominent. Dad and I went up to the counter. Instantly, I was pressed up against the window looking at the many flavors. The owner of the parlor recognized the two of us and shook Dad's hand.

"Wow how the years go by Miss Stark. I remember when you had to have your father lift you up to see the flavors." The owner wore a smile on his face, smile wrinkles formed on his cheek. I spotted the few scrapes and bruises along his face. His right arm was in a sling. He must have caught me staring at his wounds. He turned away from us. "Alright you two, what can I get for ya?" My hands spread across the chilled glass. The array of choices but my mind into a circle of possibilities. There were so many combinations to create. At least the choice of cone was simple enough, a waffle cone dipped in chocolate with sprinkles. It didn't come cheap of course, but Dad didn't ever seem to mind. This was a father-daughter day for my birthday, a reason to celebrate.

I turned to Dad, "What should I get?"

He smiled, wrapping an arm around my shoulder, "Well, you know I'm a fan for chocolate." I grinned, nodding to him. "Oh, but we can't forget how you love the mint chocolate." I grinned sheepishly and he sent me a kind-hearted smile. "She'll take a mint chocolate with a chocolate sprinkle waffle cone. I'll take chocolate with a waffle cone dipped in chocolate as well. Whatever he wants I'll pay for it as well." Happy gave his order and I made my way outside knowing Dad would bring me my cone.

I watched people pass by me. Each person had a completely different aura about them, some were obviously the business type. Others were overwhelmed with the amount of work or stress they were under. But what I did see was each person looking to the building to the right of the shop. It had been damaged by one of the leviathans when Thor jabbed its own armor into it. The building had caved into itself and crashed down. The larger pieces of rubble that couldn't be moved by hand was fenced off with barricades. Making traffic a nightmare no doubt.

"Here you are, Jae." Dad handed me my cone as he sat down next to me. I smiled and silently thanked him. Happy was sitting on a bench just passed the other side of the parlor door. It seemed that no one paid attention to us as we sat on the bench observing everyone. "Now, down to business." I paused my licking of the side of the cone. Dad chuckled at the sight of me. "Pepper and I were talking. And with everything that's going on company wise, she thought you should help out."

"I'm not gonna be some PA." I scowled.

"You would just drink all the coffee they would send you out to get." He shot back at me. I laughed, he was right. "What would you say to the COO position. It's similar to Pepper's position, but not exactly the CEO."

"What would I do?"

"Well obviously, in large organizations the COO will be the heir apparent to the CEO. You'll eventually become the CEO when your old enough or when Pepper stands down. The COO is often responsible for serving as an information conduit to the CEO. You'll mainly be overseeing ongoing business operations within the company, helping Pepper whenever she needs you. What I think Pepper had in mind was her mentoring you and slowly bringing you more into the company." My mouth had dropped and my eyes were wide. It was almost too overwhelming for me.

"Can you just tell me one thing right now?" I exhaled a heavy sigh. Getting rid of all the overwhelming business of it all. Dad nodded continuing to dig into his ice cream. "What does COO stand for exactly?" That made Happy choke on his dessert. "Oh ha-ha, Hogan."

"Chief Operating Officer. It's a mouthful so COO is something to help shorten it." I nodded, staring off into space. My mind exploring the idea of actually being a COO, being a part within the company. "So what do you think?"

"I..." I smiled to myself and then over to him. "I could try it out, get me busy doing something." Dad wrapped an arm around my shoulder bringing me in for an awkward hug.

"That's my girl." I gagged at his affection which made him only hug me tighter. The sound of his phone blaring the Iron Man theme song made him stand up and finish off his treat before answering it.

"Mr. Iron Man here," Dad smirked cheeky as ever. I rolled my eyes at him as he walked a few feet from me. Happy took the chance to come over to me.

"What do you think that calls about? Business?" I shook my head. He looked at me in disbelief, "What you got super hearing now too?"

"Oh no. He just knows that if he's doing business right now, when it's suppose to be a father-daughter and bodyguard day, I can make his life hell and be a pain in the ass." The look on Happy's face was that he was shocked by how protective I could be of my father-daughter days. "It's probably Pepper wanting to nag him about how today should be about the two of us - three of us." Happy smiled again to me, seeing the joy in my eyes as Dad hung up his phone. When he turned back, the mischievous grin on his face was prominent.

"What?"

"We should get back to the tower, I got something I want to show you." He wove for Happy to go off and get the car.

"What else did you have planned?" My arms crossed as I tried to read his expression. I know what he's going to do before he does, it's all there in his eyes. He threw on his sunglasses causing me to laugh. A mirror, a façade he put up so no one, including me, could see what he was really thinking.

"Come on princess. Trust me." He started walking towards the car. My curiosity made my legs follow him and jog to catch up to him.

The ride back to the tower was met with the low sound of the voices but filled with the constant noises of the cars that surrounded us. Instead of going up like I had thought we were, we went down lower. Strange. My eyes saw the button that dad had pushed then, G2, Dad's personal garage and workshop. Dad's hands went around my eyes and I had to keep my instinct to pry them off at bay.

"What's going on? Am I getting a suit?" My voice filled with excitement at the thought of the two of us flying in our own suits.

"Far from it, you know I won't make you one of those." I huffed in disappointment. "But I do know what we can make you." The doors opened and Dad gently pushed me out of the door. I was stopped me a few yards farther in. "I'm doing this against my better judgment, but I do know you damaged your first one." His hands moved away from my eyes. I blinked a few times to adjust to the lighting. I spotted a few suits and parts scattered across the table. My eyes landed on a deep red bike, not just any bike. Dad saw my jaw fall. "Dad you didn't." I ran to the bike. I was suddenly feeling running my fingers over it.

"I'm pretty sure, my bank account would say different," Dad stuck his hands in his pockets and stepped over to me. "It's a Ducati Desmosedici-"

"With Carbon fiber everywhere, including load-bearing parts such as the frame, swingarm, and wheels..." Looking over to Dad, he looked probably the calmest I had seen him in so long. "The fuel tank, fairing, tail, and fenders are carbon too. Mechanical parts are titanium, right down to the bolts. I can't believe you did this for me."

"Well, you're going to need some way to get around New York," His hands went over to a table and I heard the jingle of the keys. I spun around, catching them easily as he tossed them to me. "Let's hear her." I got on top of the bike and turned the bike over. I revved it and beamed with happiness. The smell of the gas and sound of the beautiful noise filled my senses.

"I thought you didn't want me on one of these?"

"I'm your dad, I'm going to always want to save you no matter what situation you get yourself into. That's just what being a parent is about. A constant need to lock you away and keep you safe." I turned off the bike and teleported the bikes keys back onto the table. I flung myself onto him. He wrapped his arms around me tightly.

"Thank you, Dad. This means a lot to me." He kissed my forehead then broke the hug. He sat in a classic convertible, looking at the suit that was involved in the battle. I sat down next to him. The silence between us created a heavier air around us.

"It's just that fatherly instinct to protect my baby girl overwhelms me sometimes. I know you, the real one inside. Not the one you let the world see. You want to be strong and you are. Don't ever think you're not strong. But sometimes you can let others help you."

"I don't want my dad to come to my rescue every time. I want to be able to handle my own shit." He gave me a scolding look but wrapped his arm around me. "I want to be able to be me. Not just your daughter. I'm Jaedyn Stark, but I'm also Jaedyn."

"I love you Jaedyn. You really are my daughter, always trying to do things by yourself. Never change you're human like the rest of us. And you make mistakes like all of us. You will continue to make them and grow stronger from them. That's what makes you so special though, you own your mistakes. You take them to heart. You take all your weakness' and force yourself through the pain to make yourself the best you." I took a heavy breath. Calming my emotions, the tools around us slowly lowering from their hovering positions. I hadn't even known they had lifted. Dad didn't give me a concerned look, he just exited the car and ran a hand through his hair. The elevator opened as the last tool was placed back onto its correct table. Pepper stepped out seeing the bike, then Dad and me.

"So, did you like it?" Pepper knew about it, she was probably the one who let Dad know it was delivered.

"Of course, I do. It's beautiful." I hugged her. She gave me a happy squeeze then released me. "Thank you. Both of you."

"Well, the fact that you crashed your first one came up at your party." She sighed heavily as she gave me a forced smile. I could see the worry flash across both of their faces. "Director Fury showed Tony, and he showed me the aftermath of your original bike, it was pretty bad. I'm just glad you weren't hurt in the crash.

"Hurt? No. Scared? Yes." I shrugged, "You guys don't need to worry about me anymore. I can handle my sh-," I see Dad's arms cross in disapproval. "I can handle my life. For the most part." Dad ushered us into the elevator. The keys to the bike almost forgotten. In a flash, they were in my hand and stuffed into my front pocket. "Where to now?"

"Dinner?" Dad suggested, his eyes checking his phone briefly. Probably an update on the cleanup crews he had set up around the city. Pepper elbowed him gently in the ribs. He knew that he shouldn't be on his phone today, so he reluctantly put it back in his pocket.

"How about that diner just outside of the city?" Pepper looked to me, winking. Another good memory there. They had the best milkshakes in the city. I thought they did at least.

"Are they even still open?" Pepper nodded and we all exited the elevator on the main floor. "I'll leave you two to dinner." Just as Pep had started to walk away, I looped my arm in-between hers, stopping her from leaving.

"Join us."

"I thought it was a father-daughter day?" She glanced from Dad to me. I shook my head.

"Family day, Happy got ice-cream with us, you can have dinner with us. That is if you don't have too much paperwork to get to?" I smirked. She adjusted her purse on her shoulder, signaling she was ready to go. "Paperwork can wait."

We ordered a few baskets of fries while we waited for the waitress to return with our waters. The young woman had dropped her notepad in shock when she came to our table. She apologized and explained that she had started last week. She didn't know that celebrities knew of the place.

"We hadn't known about it until my daughter insisted we get a milkshake here, we've come back ever since." Dad explained and gave the girl a friendly smile. "We'll all just have water tonight for our drinks."

"Of course, Mr. Stark, I'll have those right out for you all." With that she had left us, we shared in a laugh.

"Whoever invented french-fries is a genius and we should celebrate," I said mid-munch on some fries. Dad did the same, agreeing with me. "It seems we've drawn a crowd," Pepper and dad turned around in the booth to see some younger kids peeking over their side another booth two tables down. I waved at them and Dad did the same.

"Is this how it always is when we go out in public?" As if he didn't see it constantly. Then there was the latest battle that people needed to thank the Avengers for and also put targets on their backs.

"Dad, I feel like our best family tradition is being a hero or saving one another, but I guess that's what happens when you're a superhero." The young girl returned with our drinks and took our order. She made sure to repeat everything back to us and smile when she was with our table. It could have been she was just starstruck, but she probably wanted a big tip.

"Don't stress over Jae's picky eating, Holly." Dad's eyes saw her name tag. I kicked Dad's leg under the table and he flinched.

"Very funny." He filled his mouth with fries to not shoot back a remark. "Thank you, Holly." She nodded and returned to the kitchen with our orders. "Where was I?"

"Family tradition?" Pepper recalled and sipped on her water.

"Oh yea!" I sat up straighter, looking at the two of them on the other side of the table from me. "It's our tradition to be hero's and save one another. You official, me still in training," I chuckled. Dad had looked around the area to be sure no one had heard what I had just spoken. I could see that he was in deep thought about what I was saying. "I've lost count of the number of times you saved me, and I you, but that's the way we chose to live. The most evidential part of growing up, Dad... Is realizing you can't always save the ones you love." A flash of Alec laying on the floor, dead. My eyes shut at the thought of it. A soft hand touched mine gently as it rested on the table. After I collected myself I opened my eyes again. "I'm growing up."

"I know that Jaedyn." He rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath, "I know that."

In the Eighteen years of my life, I hadn't heard anything like that, it was as if his heart melted or shattered right in front of me. I didn't mean to hurt him. There was an awkward silence that remained between us for a little while. I didn't want to ruin a good day.

"I'm sorry."

"You can't help getting older. If I could create a time-traveling device I would. I would go back so you were my little girl with pigtails again. But I, unfortunately, don't have that quite figured out yet." The thought of my younger self made me chuckle. Innocent, no blood spilled on my hands.

"I'm always going to be your little girl, just not a child anymore." He gave a short nod and looked down at his hands. Pepper intertwined their fingers comforting him. "With me growing up, I wanted to ask... No, I wanted to tell you my plan." Before I could blurt out what I wanted to, Holly brought the food with her. The shakes were set down on the table and food placed in front of the proper person. I could have sworn my mouth started to water when I saw the plates of food. Another waiter behind her brought the milkshakes. Dad had already started to eat. Pepper gave me a concerned look, trying to decipher what I wanted to say. Though she too started to eat her meal. Unfortunately, a few bites in, I lost my appetite.

"You alright Jae? Is the burger cooked through, if not we can have them refire another one for you?" Dad said, taking a napkin and wiping his face.

"The burger is fine dad," I took another bite to prove it. "Cooked perfectly." Pepper's foot nudged mine under the table, to urge me to continue. Dad grabbed the cherry from my milkshake and ate it. The action caused us to laugh for a short moment.. "Just because I don't like cherries doesn't mean you get to take them from my shake."

"Oh, I'm sorry. Do you want the one off my shake?" I shook my head no. "Exactly." He began to drink his own shake. The weight of the secret was starting to eat at me. I bit my lower lip and sat up straighter. I swallowed whatever nerves I had and just let it out.

"I'm moving out." Dad began coughing and covered his mouth with a napkin. Pepper turned her attention to him to make sure he was okay. I felt my heart drop when I watched my dad regain his composure.

"What did you just say?"

"I-I'm moving out," I stuttered, now scared as to what his response would be.

"Oh I heard what you said, I just needed to be sure I wasn't imagining that," Pepper met my eyes, we both didn't know how this would end. "No."

"What do you mean no?" I was taken back. No? "I have the funds. I can open the trust you made me. I am going to be working in New York. I should have my own place. Pepper?" She shook her head. She didn't want to be involved in the conversation. It was going to be a difficult one for Dad to wrap his head around. But I wasn't bending.

"Jaedyn, do you really think it's best for you to be moving out right now?" I crossed my arms and leaned back on the cushion of the booth.

"I'm moving out."

"No." Dad reiterated, leaning on the table. Pushing his food out of his way as he leaned in closer to me.

"This isn't up for debate. I need this. You said I was growing up, this is a part of it. I can't figure out who I am if I'm stuck in the light of being Tony Stark's daughter. I need to be Jaedyn Stark... and I don't know who that is. So, I'm going to do this. I just hope you can get on board. I'm moving out."

The Author

Here it is, the finale.

Stay tuned for any news about Jaedyn...

Meaning the Author's note after this.

If you have the time could you please leave me some feedback. It helps a lot!

Thank you again and I hope you have a great Day/Night!

~C.K.O~